Employment

In the 1991 census, the proportion of 2nd generation persons aged 25 -34 (with a Maltese-born father) in employment was 84.6% for males and 58.0% for females. (See Birrel & Khoo 1995). These figures for males are comparable with those from other Southern European countries, however the figure for women is equal lowest with Lebanon, and may possibly reflect the low proportion with qualifications, as mentioned by Birrel & Khoo who state that : "The high proportion of second generation men and women of Greek, Yugoslav or Italian background with degree level qualifications is matched by similarly high levels of employment at the professional level" (p 10). The "striking level of upward occupational mobility" which they find in persons of the second generation of S. European women is nowhere as evident in the Maltese. For males however, there is a increase in the proportion of trades-persons and a decrease in the proportion of plant and machinery operators as well as labourers compared to the older generation. The proportion of managers and professional persons remains below average being 17% compared to the Australia average of 25 % For women, there is a more marked increase in the proportion of professional persons in the second generation. However, it is to be noted that this increase is far less than the average Australian rate (16.7%) and even more significantly less than the other ethnic groups which often exceeds 20%. There is also a marked drop in the proportion of labourers.